How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
The process of getting an ADHD assessment from the NHS isn't always easy. The waiting lists can be lengthy and sometimes people are diagnosed with a different condition that could explain their challenges better for example, depression or anxiety.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and listen to why you think you might be suffering from ADHD. They will then refer you to an NHS assessment.
1. See your GP
In England and Wales, you can access the ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is recommended for you, you may be able to obtain it. You'll need to tell your GP how you believe you may have ADHD and the consequences it can have on your life. Your GP must take this seriously and will request you to complete some questionnaires or a screening tool prior to they send you to a specialist for an assessment. For adults, it is especially important to create a list of specific ADHD traits and symptoms you encounter in your daily life, and be ready to give examples when asked.
Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to determine if you have ADHD. They will employ a variety of methods and tools, including checklists for symptom identification and scales to assess your behavior. They will also conduct interviews with you, your family members, and others who know you well. The psychiatrist will then write an account that is based on the information they've received. They will then discuss with you what they recommend which could be that you are suffering from an ADHD diagnosis and, if necessary, that you start treatment with medications.
You may find that some doctors are not willing to refer you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it is worth finding an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. Psychiatry-UK's website has some useful advice on this topic.
In England it is your legal right to pick the location that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the service you receive is provided by the NHS, and the cost of the service isn't more than the amount you would pay when you go directly to the NHS. If you are unable to make progress with your local CCG You can request ICAS to help you submit an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you live in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales, the NHS has different guidelines and rules. You might be able avail services through Right to Choose, and Psychiatry-UK has some suggestions regarding this here.
2. Request a reference
Depending on where you reside in the UK there are two different routes you can take to get an ADHD assessment. The second is to go through the NHS and ask your GP to recommend you. This is a lengthy process and you may need to wait years for an appointment. You can also opt for the 'Right of Choice option. This is a legal right which allows you to request the referral of a private provider when you feel that the NHS waiting time for an ADHD assessment is too long.
If you choose to sign this agreement, your GP will need to approve and sign an "shared care agreement" with the healthcare provider you've selected. However, the majority of GPs do not like signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, particularly because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In the majority of cases, you can then book an appointment with a private service of your choosing. Before you can complete the initial assessment, the ADHD specialist will conduct an interview with you and your child, if they are older than 11 years old. of age. The specialist will let you know if they believe that your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
Following the initial assessment If it is determined that ADHD could be the cause of your problems then they will typically send you home with some additional questionnaires to complete for your school or work. Then they will arrange a follow-up appointment with you to discuss their findings and provide a diagnosis. This appointment will be an opportunity to discuss any medication options and, if found that the medication is appropriate then your GP will be informed and asked to prescribe it. Your doctor will also discuss any other recommendations regarding assistance at school or at work. Any fees will be discussed prior to beginning. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either by email or brief phone calls.
3. Get an assessment
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK and it is often mistakenly diagnosed with other mental health issues. The best way to diagnose ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist with had experience with the condition.
There may be a need to wait for an assessment to be done by the NHS. If you're worried about waiting for a long time, ask your GP about 'Right to choose', a new NHS initiative that gives you the ability to choose the organization to whom you're referred for your evaluation. This lets you skip the NHS waiting list, and can make the process much quicker.
The psychiatrist will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will then carry out an organized clinical assessment using standardised questionnaires. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the signs (traits) of ADHD. It is common for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will consist of physical examinations as well as interviews with family members, teachers, members, and colleagues. It is essential that the information gathered is as precise and complete as is possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist is of the opinion that you or your children are suffering from ADHD then he'll recommend you to a program for adults suffering from ADHD. This is an additional appointment which could include a variety tests like brain images and psychological tests to determine the severity of ADHD.
Some people choose to have a private ADHD assessment - this is becoming more popular as waiting lists in the NHS continue to increase. There are a variety of organizations in the UK that offer private assessments for ADHD, depending on the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is the best one for you. Private exams are usually faster than using the NHS, but it's important to understand that health insurance does not pay for the costs.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life. For instance it can impact your relationships and work. An accurate diagnosis can help in resolving these problems. Due to the increase in people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services struggle to manage. Waiting times can be long. Some people choose to go through a private clinic and pay for their test privately. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and begin treatment earlier.
Once you've been diagnosed ADHD the next step is to create a treatment plan. This could be medication or CBT therapy. Highly recommended Internet page is something to be aware of prior to completing your evaluation. It will help you decide the best treatment plan for you.
You could be eligible to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS depending on the location you reside in the UK. If this is the case, you need to be taken to a specialist psychiatrist or paediatrician. They will examine your symptoms and issue a diagnosis based on the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you don't receive a referral from your GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment through a private mental health service. This is typically quicker than the NHS option, however you must ensure that your GP accepts an "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your expert will ask you questions about your past and current behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also ask about the way these traits impact your daily life. Before going to an appointment, it is important to know the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to write examples of how these traits have affected your life.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD it could be a life-changing experience. It can open the doors to a myriad of treatment options and can give you an understanding of oneself and awareness that some previously undiagnosed adults find especially beneficial. It can also lead better relationships and a more fulfilled life.